At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting for two Police Forces, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting.
- Company: Join a high-profile public sector finance team with a focus on governance.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to influence strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial sustainability in a vital public service role.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with significant experience in financial accounting.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: Dorset / Devon & Cornwall Police Headquarters (hybrid working available)
Contract Type: Temporary / Contract
Department: Alliance Finance Department
Reporting to: Head of Financial Accounting
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Financial Accountant to join the Alliance Finance Department supporting both Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police, as well as the respective Offices of the Police and Crime Commissioners. This is a senior technical finance role responsible for providing expert financial accounting support, ensuring strong financial governance, statutory compliance and accurate financial reporting across both Forces. Working closely with the Head of Financial Accounting and wider Finance leadership team, you will play a key role in the delivery of statutory accounts, financial planning, capital accounting, treasury-related activity, audit liaison and continuous improvement of finance processes. The successful candidate will also deputise for the Head of Financial Accounting when required, providing senior-level support, leadership and resilience across the Finance function.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the production of the annual Statement of Accounts, including financial statements, accounting policies, Whole Government Accounts and supporting documentation.
- Ensure financial reporting processes comply with statutory requirements, accounting standards and relevant financial regulations.
- Act as a key point of contact for internal and external auditors, providing information, resolving queries and supporting successful audit outcomes.
- Lead relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, actuaries, valuers and other specialist advisers to ensure financial information is accurate and robust.
- Oversee capital accounting activity, including capital programmes, asset accounting, funding arrangements and financial monitoring.
- Support the development of Treasury Management and Capital Strategies, contributing to wider Medium-Term Financial Planning.
- Analyse complex financial data, identify risks and provide clear financial insight to support senior decision-making.
- Produce financial reports, performance indicators and management information to ensure accuracy, transparency and effective financial control.
- Review and improve financial systems, processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and reporting quality.
- Provide technical accounting guidance and training to finance colleagues.
- Support, develop and oversee finance staff, including performance management, mentoring and professional development.
- Deputise for the Head of Financial Accounting when required, representing the team at meetings and supporting operational continuity.
About You
You will be a fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience within financial accounting. You will have a strong technical accounting background with experience of producing complex financial information, supporting statutory reporting requirements and working with senior stakeholders. You will be confident analysing financial data, challenging assumptions and providing clear advice to colleagues at all levels.
The ideal candidate will have experience of:
- Statutory accounts preparation and financial reporting
- Audit liaison and compliance reporting
- Capital accounting and asset management
- Budget monitoring and financial forecasting
- Improving finance processes and systems
- Leading and developing finance teams
- Presenting complex financial information to senior audiences
Experience within public sector finance, local government, policing, NHS or another regulated environment would be highly desirable.
Essential Requirements
- CCAB qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
- Significant post-qualification financial accounting experience.
- Experience analysing, interpreting and presenting complex financial information.
- Advanced Excel and financial systems experience.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven experience leading, supporting and developing finance staff.
- Ability to identify problems, provide solutions and drive continuous improvement.
Desirable Experience
- Public sector accounting experience.
- Knowledge of local government or policing finance.
- Experience working with statutory accounts and external audit processes.
- Understanding of capital accounting, treasury management and financial governance frameworks.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced qualified accountant to join a high-profile public sector finance function, supporting the financial sustainability and governance of two Police Forces. You will have the opportunity to influence financial processes, support strategic decision-making and work with senior stakeholders across a complex and important public service environment.
Senior Financial Accountant – AR in Exeter employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a leading employer in Harrow, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through tailored training programmes and leadership opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to the Council's strategic objectives. With a focus on diversity and community impact, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant – AR in Exeter
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant – AR in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Carrington Blake Recruitment. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Carrington Blake Recruitment confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Carrington Blake Recruitment.
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Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
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For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Carrington Blake Recruitment that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
